Upper Dolpo Great Himalayan Trail
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- Activities
- Upper Dolpo Trek
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- Max Elevation
- 5350m Nangdalo la Pass
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- Trip Duration
- 27 Days
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- Trip Grade
- Moderate & Adventure
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- Lodging
- Tented Camp on the Trek
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- Meals
- Full Board on Trek & BB Plan on City
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- Transportation
- Private vehicle & flight
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- Communication
- Yes [Satellite Phone]
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- Group Size
- Minimum 2
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- Best Season
- Autumn and Spring
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- Per Day Walk
- Approx. 5 - 8 Hrs
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- Accommodation
- 3 Nights in kathmandu, 1 Night in Pokhara
Trip Highlights for Upper Dolpo Trail:
- Experience the traditional mountain villages that are influenced by pre-Buddhist, Shamanistic Bon Po, and Tibetan Buddhism during Upper Dolpo Great Himalayan Trail.
- Carry out excursion around beautiful Shey Phoksundo Lake and Crystal monastery at Shey Gompa located inside the largest National Park of Nepal.
- Enjoy Great Himalayan Trail crossing the adventurous and challenging two passes; Nangdalo la Pass 5350m & Niwal Pass 5120m.
- Enjoy Scenic Flight: Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Jhupal & Jomsom-Pokhara.
Trip Introduction :
Upper Dolpo Great Himalayan Trail is one of the longest trekking routes situated in the remote and far west Himalayan range of Nepal. Upper Dolpo was a forbidden land to trekkers until 1996. The Upper Dolpo Trail offers a lifetime experience for trekkers who want to explore the remote, wild, magical, and mysterious region in the Himalaya – the land of Dolpo.
Besides, one can also achieve an incredible experience of stepping back in time while trekking along the rugged trails through traditional mountain settlements that have a stronghold and are influenced by Pre-Buddhist, Bon-Po religion, and Tibetan Buddhist Culture with largely unchanged Tibetan culture that dates back to 1200 years.
Sandwiched between the Tibetan Plateau and the Dhaulagiri Himalayan Ranges – Upper & Lower Dolpo covers Nepal’s largest National Park – Shey Phoksundo National Park. The park is home to many species of wildlife including Musk Deer, Himalayan Blue Sheep, and Snow Leopard. This trekking trip allows one to explore the ancient trading routes linking Nepal and Tibet.
During the Upper Dolpo Trail, we will meet yak herders who sustain their lives in yak wool tents with their trading caravans and in the stunning landscapes that blend perfectly with the Trans-Himalaya.
Upper Dolpo Great Himalayan Trail with Nepal Guide Trek starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. Then the journey continues with another short scenic flight to Jhupal at lower Dolpo.
After landing at the airstrip of Jhupal we start our trek along the trail that goes through the highland valleys, cultural and traditional villages, serene forest filled with oaks, pines, and rhododendron trees as our journey reaches Ringmo Village. We will spend some time exploring Ringmo village and Shey Phoksundo Lake.
Our trail from there leads to Shey Gompa at 4343 meters after crossing the first challenging high alpine pass – Nagdalo La Pass at 5350 meters.
After a day’s rest and exploration at Shey Gompa – the trail slowly descends down to Saldang and up towards Mendo while exploring the mysteries of Upper Dolpo. After a few days of walk, the trails lead to the crossing of the second pass Niwal Pass at 5120 meters – to reach Sanda Phedi.
From there the journey descends through Sangda, Dhagarjun, and down towards Jomsom. From Jomsom, the scenic flight to Pokhara early in the morning and relax the whole day at Pokhara after the fascinating trekking experience at the Wild West region of Nepal.
The amazing trekking experience at Upper Dolpo Great Himalayan Trail with Nepal Guide Trek ends with a drive back to Kathmandu.
Please Visit: Essential Tools & Gear for Trekking
- Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu [1345m/4411ft] & transfer to Hotel
Our airport representative will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport on your arrival schedule. You will then be transferred to a hotel located in the heart of Kathmandu. Our staff will help you until the check-in procedure ends at Hotel. You can either have a rest at Hotel or visit NGT’s office for gathering additional information about Upper Dolpo Great Himalayan Trail. In the evening, join our welcome dinner program organized by Nepal Guide Treks and Expedition Team.
Accommodation: Hotel/Resort
Meals: BB Plan + Welcome Dinner - Day 02: Sightseeing at Kathmandu
Note: It is not possible to visit all world heritage sites in Kathmandu within a day. So you can choose at least 3-4 places for a day sightseeing.
Accommodation: Hotel/Resort
Meals: BB Plan - Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalganj [30 min flight]
Today we will take a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalganj. Nepalgunj is located in the southwestern part of the Terai region near the border of India. In Nepalgunj, we spend our day paying a visit to the holy Bageshwari Temple and just wandering around the bazaar. Here we can see people from every corner of Nepal, including people from Tibet and India. They gather here for a trade of goods and services.
Accommodation: Tea House Lodge
Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner] - Day 04: Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal [2475m/8118ft] [45 min flight] & Trek to Dunai [2140m/7019ft] [3 hrs Trek]
We take an early morning flight from Nepalgunj to the dirt airstrip of Juphal. From Juphal we start our trek following a broad trail that descends passing through beautiful terraced fields. We walk along with a small group of buildings before crossing the Thuli Bheri Khola. After crossing the river we continue on a broad dirt track trail that leads towards Dunai. Dunai is the administrative center as well as the main trading center of the whole Dolpo Region. Overnight stay in Dunai.
Accommodation: Tea House Lodge
Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner] - Day 05: Trek from Dunai to Chhepka [2838m/9308ft] [6-7 hrs Trek]
After breakfast, we begin our trek by crossing the suspension bridge over Thulo Bheri Khola and following the trail that goes along the right bank of the river towards Sulighat. Here at Sulighat we make a stop to register at the National Park office. After registration, we continue trekking over the true left bank of the river passing through the village of Raktang. Heading further we cross a large tributary, Ankhe Khola, and then make a climb for about an hour to reach our camping site at Chhepka.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner] - Day 06: Trek from Chhepka to Rechi [2940m/9643ft] [5-6 hrs Trek]
From Chhepka our trail crosses Suli Khola to its west bank avoiding a steep, landslide affected area, and return to its east bank after about an hour of walk. We continue trekking on our trail that passes through dense forest before crossing a tributary and then climbs a steep switchback to reach a broad grassy plateau. From there we follow the flat trail for a while before gradually descending down to a river and heading towards Rechi where there is a good camping site.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner] - Day 07: Trek from Rechi to Ringmo Village [3733m/12244ft] [5-6 hrs Trek]
After breakfast, we leave our campsite at Rechi and continue our trek over the trail that passes through a school and gompa. The teachers and students are always happy to receive guests. Our trail continues along the true right bank of Phoksundo Khola. We now start ascending through cedar and pine forest on the trail that swings north, passing through a small winter settlement of Polam. We climb further up the ridge with good views of turquoise and blue Phoksundo Lake. The trail soon descends through birch forest before climbing an easy gradient to reach Ringmo Village.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner] - Day 08: Rest and exploration at Ringmo.
We take a rest day at Ringmo for acclimatization and exploration. Ringmo is a traditional Tibetan village with Ancient gompas. Here locals make a range of impressive handicrafts. Phoksundo Lake is another highlight of Ringmo and the whole Dolpo region. It is Nepal’s deepest and second largest lake which gives a wonderful leisure day while exploring around Ringmo.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner] - Day 09: Trek from Ringmo to Phoksundo Khola [3750/12300ft] via Phoksundo Lake [3600m/11808ft] [6-7 Hrs Trek]
After spending a full day exploring around Ringmo, we continue our trek as we follow one of the most spectacular sections of the trail. We start our trek continuing on the western side of the lake outflow and then gradually ascend towards the cliff with excellent views of the Phoksundo Lake and the village. After a few hours of uphill journey, the trail descends to the floodplain of the Phoksundo Khola where there is an excellent grassy campsite.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner] - Day 10: Trek from Phoksundo Khola to Campsite [4717m/15471ft] [5-6 hrs Trek]
After having breakfast we leave our campsite and follow the trail heading towards the mouth of the gorge. Soon our trail winds up the gorge crossing the river several times. We continue our trekking as the gradient eases and as the gorge widens. From there we trek for about an hour to arrive at the Campsite for the overnight camping.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner] - Day 11: Trek from Campsite to High Camp [4900m/16072ft] [4-5 hrs Trek]
Today we leave the campsite and start following the trail that climbs the switchback to the true left side of the magnificent waterfall. We continue to ascend over the river valley which gradually broadens to a large basin. There are many flat areas in the basin, we continue a little further to the base of the long curving tail for the overnight camping
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner] - Day 12: Cross Nangdala La Pass [5350m/17548ft] & Trek to Shey Gompa [4343m/14245ft] [7-8 hrs Trek]
We start early for the crossing of adventurous Nangdala La Pass. We follow the trail that is over loose slate-scree, climbing steeply upwards we head to the top of the pass. From the top, we can see a broad valley. Gently descending the trail now follows an easy gradient down to the valley. We will probably meet yak and sheep herds on our way down before reaching the red-painted walls of Shey Gompa.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner] - Day 13: Rest and Exploration at Shey Gompa.
We take a rest day for exploring Shey Gompa. We can visit Kagyupa gompa as well as the hermitage at Tsakang. It is one of the most sacred valleys in Dolpo. It is common to spot blue sheep and snow leopard in this area. However, locals here strictly prohibit the killing of any animals in and around Shey Gompa. After a full day excursion, we will spend the overnight in Shey Gompa.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner] - Day 14: Trek from Shey Gompa to Namgung [4806m/15763ft] [6-7 hrs Trek] via Sela La Pass [5095m/16711ft]
After spending a full day exploring Shey Gompa, we leave our campsite and head east into Sephu Khola Valley. Then our trek is over an ascending trail over the loose ground for about three hours to the top of the Sela La Pass at 5095 meters. Once at the top of the pass we begin to descend into a shallow valley and continue our trek as we pass through a watercourse to the small village of Namgung.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner] - Day 15: Trek from Namgung to Saldang [3770m/12365ft] [4-5 hrs Trek]
Today is a short but spectacular trekking day. After a few hours of easy trek, we climb up onto a ridge with prayer flags and look down on Saldang below us. On our way, we will stop for some salt-butter tea and a cup of Tibetan barley beer. Wandering through this fascinating Tibetan village we camp just above Saldang’s gilded gompa. Saldang is the commercial and administrative center of Upper Dolpo.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner] - Day 16: Trek from Saldang to Khomasgaon [4060m/13316ft [7-8 hrs Trek]
From Saldang we head northeast along the little-trekked route to Khomasgaon. Our trail goes along the Nagaon Khola passing through several white-washed villages, long mani walls, painted Chortens, and old gompas. Once we reach Chagaon, we follow the trail to the left and cross the river, continue heading northeast along a smaller trail that leads us to Khomasgaon for our overnight stay.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner] - Day 17: Trek from Khomasgaon to Mendo [3950m/12956ft] [5-6 hrs Trek]
After breakfast, we leave our campsite at Khomasgaon and then continue our trekking as we follow the trail that passes through traditional villages and mani walls. Trekking up and down through the valley we head towards Mendo where we camp for our overnight stay.https://www.nepalguidetreks.com/destination/nepal/trekking-hiking/high-passes-trek.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner] - Day 18: Explore Upper Dolpo & Trek to Rapka Khola [5205m/17072ft] [7-8 hrs Trek]
We continue on our trail exploring and following the less-beaten trails of Upper Dolpo. The breathtaking landscapes and the unique culture of Upper Dolpo surely offer a magical experience to its trekkers. After a long and good trekking day, we will arrive at Rapka for our overnight stay.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner] - Day 19: Trek from Rapka Khola to Chharkabhot [4110m/13480ft] [6-7 hrs Trek]
After breakfast, we leave Rapka and follow the trail that is an uphill rough trek towards the Chharka La Pass at 4920 meters. After reaching the top of the pass we descend through the side of the valley all the way down to Chharka Village situated at the bank of Barbung Khola
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner] - Day 20: Trek from Chharka to Norbulung [4750m/15580ft] [6-7 hrs Trek]
We follow the trail by descending down to the river. Then we follow the right fork southwards climbing in and out of the side valleys on a rough trail. We emerge into a big meadow as the valley narrows. We continue our trek by climbing up to reach our campsite at Norbulung
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner] - Day 21: Trek to Sangda Phedi via Niwal Pass [5120m/16793ft] [7-8 hrs Trek]
We start to follow the trail that climbs up to Molom Sumna which is a yak pasture. From there we continue to climb before making a long traverse across meadows to reach the foot of Sangda La. Then we make a long and steep final climb for the crossing of Sangda La also known as Niwal Pass at 5120 meters before gently descending down to our campsite at Sangda Phedi.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner] - Day 22: Trek to Sangda [3940m/12923ft] [6-7 hrs Trek]
Today we make a climb to lower Sangda La at 4990 meters before descending down to the village of Sangda Ghunsa. From there we continue to descend down for the crossing of Chalung Khola at 3750 meters before climbing again towards the steep switchbacks and then descending down to a stream. A final climb will lead us to the compact settlement of Sangda for our overnight stay.
Accommodation: Tented Cam
Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner] - Day 23: Trek from Sangda to Dhagarjun [3840m/12595ft] [5-6 hrs Trek]
After breakfast, we leave Sangda and climb up the hill. Today we will spend our day making high traverses, crossing nine ridges to a final crest at 4280 meters. We then descend into the Kali Gandaki Valley traversing along high cliffs before descending further down to the large village of Dhagarjun.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner] - Day 24: Trek from Dhagarjun to Jomson [2700/8856ft] [4-5 hrs Trek]
From Dhagarjun we climb up to a ridge before making a final descent on a challenging loose trail that leads towards Jomsom. Jomsom is an important hub for Mustang and Upper Mustang Treks with the airstrip, abundance of tea houses, and services. This is a celebration day after successfully accomplishing Upper Dolpo Great Himalayan Trail with Nepal Guide Treks & Expedition Team.
Accommodation: Tea House Lodge
Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner] - Day 25: Fly to Pokhara. Free Exploration day at Pokhara
We take an early morning scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. Pokhara is home to thick forests, emerald lakes, and a place of remarkable natural beauty. The reflection of the Machhapuchre (Fish-Tail) Himal over the serene Fewa Lake makes this place truly magical. Besides, visiting sacred places and sightseeing around the city in Pokhara could be a good way to spend your day.
Accommodation: Hotel/Resort
Meals: BB Plan - Day 26: Drive to Kathmandu
It takes approximately four to five hours to drive to reach Kathmandu from Pokhara. We drive along Prithvi Highway which offers scenic hilly zigzag roads through the banks of the Trishuli River. The daily activities of the local people can be seen along the road when we pass through many villages and towns.
Accommodation: Hotel/Resort
Meals: BB Plan + Farewell Dinner - Day 27: International Departure as per your flight schedule
Our representative will drop you at the International Airport as per your flight schedule.
- Airport Arrival and transfer to Hotel
- 3 nights ‘Day 01, 02 & 27” stay in Kathmandu & 1 Night Stay ‘Day 26’ in Pokhara with BB Plan
- All land transportation by private vehicle
- Fly from Kathmandu – Nepaljung – Juphal & Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara
- All meals [B/F, Lunch & Dinner] During Trekking period
- Tea House Lodges & Camping Accommodation during Trekking
- Special Permit for Upper Dolpo Region, National Park fee & TIMS [Trekkers Information Management System] fee.
- Highly experienced Trekking guide for the entire trek
- Required Number of Porters
- Staffs food, clothing & salary, Insurance.
- General First aid Kids
- All tax, vats and necessary paper works
- Airport Drop
- Personal nature expenses
- Bar bill and all kind of drinks
- Rescue & Evacuation
- Gratitude (tip) for staff
The given rates are per person with guaranteed departure schedules. If the given dates are not appropriate for you, please feel free to contact us for requesting a new dates, we will gladly personalize the itinerary and schedule of the trip that fits for you.
Check our assured departure schedules given below:
| Start Date | End Date | Price | Availability | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 Apr, 2023 | 3 May, 2023 | USD 4500 | OPEN | Book Now! |
| 12 Apr, 2023 | 8 May, 2023 | USD 4500 | OPEN | Book Now! |
| 20 Apr, 2023 | 16 May, 2023 | USD 4500 | OPEN | Book Now! |
| 27 Apr, 2023 | 23 May, 2023 | USD 4500 | OPEN | Book Now! |
| 4 May, 2023 | 30 May, 2023 | USD 4500 | OPEN | Book Now! |
| 13 May, 2023 | 8 Jun, 2023 | USD 4500 | OPEN | Book Now! |
| 3 Sep, 2023 | 29 Sep, 2023 | USD 4500 | OPEN | Book Now! |
| 11 Sep, 2023 | 7 Oct, 2023 | USD 4500 | OPEN | Book Now! |
| 21 Sep, 2023 | 17 Oct, 2023 | USD 4500 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 29 Sep, 2023 | 25 Oct, 2023 | USD 4500 | OPEN | Book Now! |
| 5 Oct, 2023 | 31 Oct, 2023 | USD 4500 | LIMITED | Book Now! |
| 13 Oct, 2023 | 8 Nov, 2023 | USD 4500 | OPEN | Book Now! |
| 21 Oct, 2023 | 16 Nov, 2023 | USD 4500 | LIMITED | Book Now! |
| 29 Oct, 2023 | 24 Nov, 2023 | USD 4500 | OPEN | Book Now! |
| 2 Nov, 2023 | 28 Nov, 2023 | USD 4500 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 13 Nov, 2023 | 9 Dec, 2023 | USD 4500 | OPEN | Book Now! |
| 10 Mar, 2024 | 5 Apr, 2024 | USD 4500 | OPEN | Book Now! |
| 17 Mar, 2024 | 12 Apr, 2024 | USD 4500 | OPEN | Book Now! |
| 27 Mar, 2024 | 22 Apr, 2024 | USD 4500 | OPEN | Book Now! |
- Before Trekking:
- Know your destination very well you are going to for trekking.
- Make sure you have proper clothing for all weather conditions (warm clothes, rain gear, and hat, scarf, and gloves). Please be prepared for adverse weather conditions and apply the mantra “better safe than sorry”.
- Please bring the insurance details with you so that the expenses for a helicopter emergency evacuation or other emergency situations are covered, if needed.
- Always bring water purifying tablets, carbon filters or alike even at high altitude water may be impure.
- Personal hygiene is important in order not to get sick. Hand sanitizer or disinfection gel will get you far.
- Carry a whistle with you and cell phone.
- Bring first aid kit, especially if you are trekking alone. Generally, we highly recommend to always bring a guide while trekking in the Himalayas.
- Always bring sunscreen, sunglasses and perhaps even a sun hat, a torch.
- If you go trekking route ascends higher than 3,000 m, please read carefully about Altitude Sickness.
- While Trekking:
- You will regularly encounter caravans of mules and yaks while trekking in the Himalayas. Always stay on the mountainside while you wait for them to pass, and do not go close to the ridges. Mules often carry heavy and wide loads so they may accidentally kick you off the mountain if you’re not careful enough.
- Do not drink alcohol. It dehydrates you and thus increases the risk of altitude sickness if above 3,000 m.
- Always carry a first-aid kit with you, wear warm clothes and rain gear with you.
- Be sure always trek with a friend or guide.
- While trekking above 3,000 m do not ascend too fast. Generally, it is not recommended to ascend more than 3-500 m per day as doing so will significantly increase the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
- Must Carry a Flashlight with you along with a map, compass and potentially a GPS so that you always know your location.
- Listen to the advice provided by your guide and trekking agency so you would be risk-free.
Altitude Sickness | Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) | Altitude Illness:
- What is Altitude Sickness?
- Altitude illness is also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) or Altitude Illness.
- It is a pathological effect of high altitude on humans, caused by acute exposure to a low pressure of oxygen at high altitude.
- Normally, ranges from a mild headache and weariness to a life-threatening disease, when fluid in the lungs (HAPE) or Brain (HACE) is built up.
- Altitude illness should always be taken serious as ignoring it may ultimately lead to death.
- How is altitude illness caused?
- It is a result of lack of oxygen.
- The atmosphere will always have 21% oxygen the driving pressure decreases the higher we go. At sea level, the driving pressure forces sufficient oxygen into the capillaries of our lungs giving a saturation of oxygen in the blood and throughout the tissues. However, as we start to ascend an ever decreasing driving pressure also implies an ever decreasing oxygen level, giving less oxygen into the capillaries of our lungs and subsequently less oxygen in our blood and tissues.
- Up to an altitude of around 8,000 feet, the driving pressures should be high enough to provide sufficient oxygen levels. When entering a terrain of 8,000 feet and higher pathophysiological changes may start to manifest due to lack of oxygen.
- What are altitude illness symptoms?
- Nausea
- Tiredness
- Sleeplessness, or
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Social withdrawal
- Swelling extremities
- Insomnia
- Decreased Appetite
- How to treat altitude illness?
- Always consult a doctor if available
- In case of mild altitude sickness symptoms, stay at the same altitude. Ascend only when the symptoms have resolved completely.
- At serious altitude sickness symptoms start to descend immediately. Consider getting a helicopter emergency evacuation
- Serious altitude sickness symptoms may be treated with a Gamow bag – an inflatable high-pressure bag which helps to restore the oxygen level and air pressure.
- How to prevent altitude illness?
- The best way to prevent altitude sickness is to ascend gradually.
- When above 3,000 m it is not recommended to ascend more than 300-400 m per day. Even if you’ve not ascended more than 300 m but still feel a headache, tiredness or any other of the above-listed altitude sickness symptoms, always take a rest day to further acclimatize.
- Proper hydration helps to prevent altitude sickness so drink sufficient water.
- The general water drinking guideline is to drink 1 liter of water per 1,000 m.
- Another recommended way to prevent altitude sickness is the use of Diamox (Acetazolamide) pills so as to speed up the acclimatization.
- As soon as you ascend more than 3,000 m you can start taking 1 pill per day.
Immigration Office at Kathmandu Airport Facilitating Tourist Visa on arrival.
Visa Fees:
Two Weeks – 30 USD
One Month (Four Weeks) – 50 USD
Three Month (90 Days) – 125 USD
For more info, please email at info@nepalguidetreks.com
Visa Extension Fees:
Tourist Visa Extension required a minimum of 15 days (USD 45)and USD 3 for each extra days.
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